Kevin Durant haven’t found a yet a new house officially in two weeks requesting a trade from Brooklynbut an offer that involves trading the Nets star for LeBron James has everyone in NBA to speak
Bleacher Report recently floated an idea: What if James and Durant were traded for each other? Such a trade could be beneficial for all parties involved, according to the report, which specifically states: “The Lakers just can’t get out of the West, which James has to accept. A trade to Brooklyn gives him a real shot at a fifth championship.”
The deal would also give James a chance to reunite with Kyrie Irving, which he reportedly wants. And that would give Durant the fresh start he’s looking for by teaming up with Anthony Davis.
On Thursday’s episode of “Undisputed,” Skip Bayless explained why a blockbuster trade between Durant and James would actually work, calling the potential trade the perfect move that’s “hidden in plain sight.”
“It’s a great idea. … It was so obvious that it became too obvious because it would work great for both parties,” he said. “It wouldn’t hurt LeBron’s legacy … to spend his last couple of years in the Big Apple. … If the goal is to win, why would you want to stick with Russell Westbrook in L.A. instead of reuniting with Kyrie?
“When you need to move [Durant]move him to the Lakers.”
Bayless co-host Shannon Sharp, however, didn’t believe it. He shared his doubts about such a massive transaction, saying it doesn’t make sense for the Nets or LeBron.
“After the end of this season, LeBron James is out of contract. … Why would you trade Kevin Durant when you have four more years on his contract?” he said. “… LeBron, why does he want to go to the Nets? Yes, Kyrie [is] there and they had a great basketball relationship, but he’s going to leave one guy in Russell Westbrook who can’t shoot for another guy in Ben Simmons who is afraid to shoot. Does that make sense for LeBron? how? LeBron had three opportunities as a free agent to join any of the New York teams. … Do you think he’ll be happy playing in New York at 20?
“I don’t think either guy would be happy with the trade. I don’t think Kevin Durant wants to be involved in Los Angeles with the spotlight that comes along with being a superstar playing for the Lakers, and LeBron doesn’t want to be involved in Brooklyn or any part of New York.”
Should the Lakers trade LeBron James for Kevin Durant?
Replacing LeBron James with Kevin Durant would be a move that would shock the NBA. Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharp discuss whether such a move would make sense.
In 2021-2022, James averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists, but missed 26 games. After leading LA to a title in 2020, James and the Lakers finished 11th in the West last season (33-49) and missed the playoffs.
Durant, 33, has spent three seasons in Brooklyn, but has only played in the last two, missing the entire 2019-20 season while recovering from a torn Achilles. The Nets lost to the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference semifinals in seven games two seasons ago. They were covered last season Boston Celtics in the first round.
Durant previously won two championships with Golden State Warriors in 2016-17 and 2017-18, earning Finals MVP honors both times.
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